Thirty students in the Upward Bound Classic program class of 2025 are heading to college, many with full scholarships, spots in honors programs and acceptances from some of the most respected universities in the country.

Dream. Prep. Achieve.

Article by Marina Jones Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson June 09, 2025

UD’s Upward Bound program helps first-generation students earn scholarships, honors and acceptance to top colleges

The graduating seniors from the University of Delaware’s TRIO Upward Bound Classic program are proof that with the right support, big dreams can become real-life plans.

The 30 students in the class of 2025 are celebrating more than just high school graduation — they’re heading to college, many with full scholarships, spots in honors programs and acceptances from some of the most respected universities in the country. For these students — most of whom are first-generation college-bound and come from low-income households — it’s a milestone that didn’t happen by chance.

“Upward Bound helped me to recover from rocky times during my early years of high school and to fully realize my true potential academically,” said Jeffrey Akakpo, a graduating senior. “Upward Bound Classic was more than college prep; it was a way for me to join a community with new people and create long-lasting friendships.”

A year-round program, Upward Bound provides students with academic advising, mentorship, on-campus experiences and a tight-knit community of peers and staff who believe in their potential.

“I met some of my closest friends at the University of Delaware through Upward Bound, which motivated me to continue participating,” said Kameryn Howell. “I feel genuinely ready and excited to embrace the challenges and opportunities of college.”

A year-round program, Upward Bound provides students with academic advising, mentorship, on-campus experiences and a tight-knit community of peers and staff who believe in their potential.

One major game-changer for the class of 2025 was access to SAT prep scholarships through UD’s Professional and Continuing Studies department. The $500 scholarships in support per student gave them access to the full SAT Suite — and it paid off. On average, students boosted their SAT scores by over 100 points. For many, that boost opened doors to full tuition scholarships, honors colleges and even acceptance to 4+1 graduate programs.

Immersive on-campus experiences, like UD’s Summer Bridge Program and others coordinated by UD Academic Program Director John France, gave Upward Bound students a taste of college life and helped them build the skills they carried into their senior year. Many came back from summers ready to take on tougher classes, including AP, honors and dual enrollment courses.

The result? Their strongest academic performance yet. Nearly the whole class finished the year with their highest GPAs — and many earned honors or distinguished honors for the first time.

“The program and its advisors pushed me beyond my comfort zone and perceived academic limitations, which ultimately made me a better scholar and a more open individual,” said Ramiyah Watson, who ended up finishing high school with a 4.0 GPA.

Immersive on-campus experiences, like UD’s Summer Bridge Program and others coordinated by UD Academic Program Director John France, gave Upward Bound students a taste of college life and helped them build the skills they carried into their senior year.

All 30 students received offers from at least 15 different colleges and universities. Twenty were accepted to the University of Delaware, 10 got into five or more honors colleges or programs, and three landed spots in competitive 4+1 programs. They’ve been accepted to places like Temple University, Ithaca College, Howard University and Morehouse College.

For many, UD became their top choice — not just because it was affordable, but because the program helped them feel at home.

“As an introvert, I often found engaging in conversations and networking challenging, but participating in Upward Bound encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and build connections,” said Chelsea Adedapo. “The unwavering support system provided by the program through the university was pivotal to my success, ensuring that I remained on track.

As these students get ready to start the next chapter, they’re not just college-bound — they’re walking in with confidence, clarity and the kind of momentum that only comes from knowing you earned every bit of it.

“Looking ahead, I am most excited about what I will learn at UD, the opportunities and experiences that will come along the way, and continuing to improve each day by learning from the last, even if it's just by 1%,” said Chibueze Nwosu.